Howdy,

I'm looking at an 88 W201 as a daily driver. It has all the features I want (actually, I could take one with less features: less things to break) especially a sunroof and a spotless leather interior. It also has a very nice color combo (dark green metallic and parchment). Only problem is that I'm realy interested in a 5 speed.

My question is: How hard is it to convert to a 5 speed? Let's suppose I left the rear end ratio alone (Nitske lists ratios of 3.23 auto, 2.92 manual for '89). All I want is to convert the transmission (engine's OK). What parts do I require. I suppose a flexplate flywheel, 5-speed console parts, shift linkage, clutch linkage.

I know, you'all are going to say "just find a manual", but these cars weren't popular in 5 speed form (from what I can tell). I know it's a common conversion from BMW 2002 auto to 320i manual, so it is done with some cars.

Thanks,

Sholin

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What else, '73 MB 280 SEL (Lt Blue)
Daily driver: '84 190D 2.2 5 spd.

It is not a hard conversion to do, especially if you have a donor car to steal from. There just happens to be one for sale in the Swap section, a 1986 300E 5 spd. Probably 90% of the parts are the same and with the A/T diff gear ratio you have, it should run well. The 300E is in Carlsbad, CA but don't know where you are. Sometimes a salvage yard such as Potomac German has one. The pedal cluster, tranny and most parts except the driveshaft (length) are the same.

Don't give up...

Tobias MB
C280Sport, 300CE, 400E, 190/5.6

I am also interested in doing the automatic tranny, to manual tranny conversion. I have an 86 190E 2.3. What transmission should i be looking at to do the conversion with, and what else do I need besides the transmission itself?

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George Carstens

Just you stay away from my car

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5 speed '91 190E 2.6 320,000 mi. (new car, fast, smooth as silk six, couldn't find any more Peugeots)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.5l Turbo Diesel 266,000 mi. (old car, fast for a diesel, had 2 others)
5 speed '01 Jetta V6 (new wifes car, pretty quick)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.2l Turbo Gas 197,000 mi. (wifes car, faster, sadly gone just short of 200k )
5 speed '83 Yamaha 750 Maxim 14,000 mi. (fastest)
0 speed 4' x 8' 1800 lb Harbor Freight utility trailer (only as fast as what's pulling it)

There is a 1991 2.6, 5 spd for sale in NY. It has 35k miles, blue/blue, all books, records, sticker etc, original owner, loaded for $17,500.
Call 914-997-9133 or www.motorclassiccorp.com.

Tobias MB
4 MBs

Are you saying that the conversion to a 5 speed getrag is not worth it and I may as well go with a new car?

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George Carstens